Reactions to Federal Reserve announcement
Posted on Mar 20, 2025
The announcement by the U.S. Federal Reserve that interest rates will not change was widely greeted by variations of the same message, which is that the Fed is waiting to get a read on the “new” economy that comes with a change in government, and whether it is headed towards inflation.
Here’s a sample of what is being said:
CNN Business: “[The decisi...
Another Bank of Canada rate cut coming this week?
Posted on Mar 11, 2025
It’s “interest rate day” again this week…
CTV News: “Most economists expect the central bank will deliver another quarter-point rate cut while it waits to see how long the dispute with Canada’s largest trading partner lasts.”
Financial Post: “The Bank of Canada is expected to cut its interest rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday, amid trade uncertain...
Housing start comparison statistics from January
Posted on Feb 19, 2025
The headline from Central Mortgage and Housing this month is that, among other things, housing starts in Vancouver were up 37 per cent in January, compared to the same month last year. To people who live or even drive around Vancouver, this is consistent with the visible construction, particularly with regards to multi-unit buildings in places wher...
Economists implying inflation stance change
Posted on Feb 10, 2025
With the threat of tariffs sometimes changing daily (or even hourly), Canadians are wondering what the impact is in the housing market. There is no finite answer, of course, but a story in The Financial Post implies that the Bank of Canada may have to change its direction.
“If a new round of tariffs ever comes into play,” it reads, "they could force...
2025 schedule for interest rate to change…or not
Posted on Jan 21, 2025
With interest rates widely expected to stabilize this year, it’s anticipated the real estate market will experience a surge in demand from buyers who have been waiting for a better break. When or if the rates will change, nobody knows. When buyers and sellers will find out if the rates are going to change is widely known.
There is an interest rate a...
‘Flipping Tax' effective as of New Year’s Day
Posted on Dec 26, 2024
It will soon be a year since the B.C. Government announced, in its 2024 budget, details of a new tax on home buyers who buy and sell properties to make a quick profit. Now, what has been labelled the “B.C. Home Flipping Tax” goes into effect on January 1.
Last February, the announcement stated that any profits made from the sale of a residential hom...